Dual chamber fluid container

ABSTRACT

Dual chamber fluid containers are presented including: a container assembly including: an outer sleeve having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end; a pair of facing chambers encompassed by the outer sleeve, where the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion; and a weld ring for positioning the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers; and a lid assembly including: a collar for removably coupling with the container assembly and shaped to conform with the weld ring; a handle coupled with the collar; and a pair of hinged doors hingedly coupled with the collar along a curved portion of the collar.

BACKGROUND

Conventional dispensing containers typically carry and dispense only one liquid or beverage at a time. But there are occasions where there is a need to dispense several beverages or liquids at a time. For example, in catering situations, it may be desirable to dispense caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, cream, and hot water at the same time to a single table. Using conventional dispensing containers would require one or more servers to carry multiple containers—one for each beverage. This creates additional demands on servers as well as tends to clutter serving traffic areas as well as create undesirable distractions.

As such, dual chamber fluid containers are presented herein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

As such, dual chamber fluid containers are presented including: a container assembly including: an outer sleeve having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end, the closed sleeve end forming a sleeve base; a pair of facing chambers encompassed by the outer sleeve, each facing chamber having an open chamber end and a closed chamber end, the closed chamber end forming a chamber base, where the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion; and a weld ring for positioning the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers along the open sleeve end and the open chamber end to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers; and a lid assembly including: a collar for removably coupling with the container assembly and shaped to conform with the weld ring; a handle coupled with the collar; and a pair of hinged doors hingedly coupled with the collar along a curved portion of the collar, the pair of hinged doors for closing the pair of facing chambers, where each hinged door includes: a spout extending from the hinged door for delivering fluid from the facing chamber, a sealable port along an inside surface of the hinged door, the sealable port in fluidic communication with the spout, and a fluid release latch positioned proximately with the handle for actuating the sealable port. In some embodiments, each hinged door further includes: a locking tab for securing the hinged door with the collar, and a lock release coupled with the locking tab and located along a top surface of the hinged door; the lock release configured to disengage the locking tab. In some embodiments, each of the volumetric portions are equal. In some embodiments, each of the volumetric portions are not equal. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve has a cylinder shape such as: a circular cylinder shape, a semi-circular cylinder shape, an ovate cylinder shape, and a rectangular cylinder shape. In some embodiments, the cylinder shape is straight cylinder or a tapered cylinder. In some embodiments, the continuous void is empty. In some embodiments, the continuous void is under vacuum. In some embodiments, the continuous void is filled with an insulating material such as: a foam material, a batting material, and a natural fiber material. In some embodiments, the fluid release latch is finger actuated.

In other embodiments, container assemblies for a dual chamber fluid containers are presented including: an outer sleeve having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end, the closed sleeve end forming a sleeve base; a pair of facing chambers encompassed by the outer sleeve, each facing chamber having an open chamber end and a closed chamber end, the closed chamber end forming a chamber base, where the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion; and a weld ring for positioning the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers along the open sleeve end and the open chamber end to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers.

In other embodiments, lid assemblies for a dual chamber fluid containers are presented including: a collar for removably coupling with a container assembly; a handle coupled with the collar; and a pair of hinged doors hingedly coupled with the collar along a curved portion of the collar, where each hinged door includes: a spout extending from the hinged door for delivering fluid, a sealable port along an inside surface of the hinged door, the sealable port in fluidic communication with the spout, and a fluid release latch positioned proximately with the handle for actuating the sealable port.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative exploded view of a container assembly for use with a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative top view of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative cutaway view of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative cutaway view of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative cutaway view of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 are illustrative representations of various configurations for dual chamber fluid containers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

In still other instances, specific numeric references such as “first material,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first material” is different than a “second material.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

Embodiments disclosed herein contemplate a cylindrical container of any size or shape with two or more facing chambers for dispensing two or more liquids, beverages, fluids, substances or items of like or different temperatures from a single container. In embodiments, containers may or may not be double walled and or vacuum insulated. The dispensed liquid, beverage, fluid, substance or item may be manually or automatically selected by a valve or other mechanism or variation or other method which is activated by a lever, tab, trigger, switch or other mechanism or variation positioned on or near a handle or handles and poured with one hand. Embodiments may be manufactured from plastic, stainless steel, glass or any combination thereof or other materials commonly used in the industry without limitation. Some elements such as levers, triggers, tabs, switches, caps, lids, spouts, and handles may or may not be differently colored or otherwise distinguished to define the liquid, beverage, fluid, substance or item being dispensed. In some embodiments, selecting which liquid to dispense may be made a valve or other mechanism or variation activated by a lever, trigger, tab, or switch at or near the handle with one hand. The lever, trigger, tab, or switch will open one chamber. The lid or lids may screw on or otherwise attach to the container. The spout or spouts and the internal chambers will be divided by common walls or otherwise separated to prevent liquids from touching, mixing, or otherwise contaminating one another.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative orthogonal representation of dual chamber fluid container 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, dual chamber fluid container includes container assembly 102 and lid assembly 104. Container assembly embodiments will be discussed in further detail below for FIGS. 2 and 7. Lid assembly embodiments provide for dispensing fluids separately or in combination for dual chamber fluid containers. Lid assembly embodiments serve to keep separated fluids substantially uncontaminated from one another. As such, in one example, one chamber may be filled with water while another filled with coffee. In such an example, it is desirable to be able to dispense water without cross-contamination of coffee and vice versa. In embodiments, lid assembly 104 includes collar 120 and handle 122. Collar 120 removably couples with container assembly 102 and conforms to a weld ring (FIG. 2). Collar embodiments may be enabled in any manner known in the art as for example, a bolted connection, a snap connection, a threaded connection, or a clamped connection without limitation. Further illustrated are hinged doors 124A and 124B hingedly coupled with collar 120 along a curved portion of collar 120. Hinged door embodiments are utilized for closing the pair of facing chambers. Hinges are well-known in the art. In embodiments, hinges provide for opening the hinged doors outwardly from the container assembly. This configuration provides for easy inspection of both facing chambers as well as avoids interference with automated or semi-automated filling stations.

Further illustrated are spouts 126A and 126B extending from hinged doors 124A and 124B respectively for delivering fluid from each facing chamber. In some embodiments, spouts 126A and 126B may include a removable flexible tip which may be color coded. Flexible tips are well-known in the art and may be utilized in embodiments without limitation. In order to deliver fluids, sealable port 128 is illustrated along an inside surface of hinged door 124A where the sealable port is in fluidic communication with spout 126A. Although not visible in the illustrative representation, a second sealable port is positioned along an inside surface of hinged door 124B. In embodiments as illustrated, lid assembly 104 further includes fluid release latches 130A and 130B positioned proximately with handle 122 for actuating the sealable ports. In embodiments, fluid release latches are finger actuated.

Still further illustrated is locking tab 132 that mates with locking relief 134 to secure hinged door 124A with collar 120. In embodiments as illustrated, lock release 136 is in mechanical communication with a locking tab and located along a top surface of a hinged door and operates to disengage a locking tab. As shown, lock release 136 is a slide that is finger actuated, however other embodiments are contemplated. For example, lock release may include a keyed lock for further securing fluids to avoid tampering after filling. In another example, lock release may include a button that may be finger or machine actuated.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative exploded view of container assembly 200 for use with a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated container assembly 200 includes outer sleeve 204 having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end, the closed sleeve end forming a sleeve base. Encompassed within outer sleeve 204 are a pair of facing chambers 206A and 206B. As illustrated, each facing chamber 206A and 206B includes an open chamber end and a closed chamber end, the closed chamber end forming a chamber base. In embodiments, the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion. In some embodiments, the volumetric portions are equal while in other embodiments, the volumetric portions are unequal. Unequal volumetric portions may be accomplished in any manner known in the art without limitation including partially filling one of the volumetric portions with a solid material or by physically reducing the size of one of the facing chambers.

Further illustrated is weld ring 208. Weld ring embodiments are utilized for positioning and securing the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers along the open sleeve end and the open chamber end to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers. Continuous voids will be discussed in further detail below for FIGS. 3 to 6. Weld ring embodiments may be welded, glued, crimped, stamped or otherwise permanently bonded to outer sleeve and facing chamber configurations. In some embodiments, as illustrated, nuts 210A and 210B may be permanently bonded with weld ring embodiments to secure a lid assembly with a container assembly. In one embodiment, outer sleeve, facing chambers, and weld rings are manufactured with a stainless-steel based material. In other embodiments, outer sleeve, facing chambers, and weld rings are manufactured with a polymeric based material. In still other embodiments, outer sleeve, facing chambers, and weld rings are manufactured with a silica material.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative top view of a dual chamber fluid container and FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are illustrative cutaway views of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates lid assembly 300 having various section views A-A, B-B, and C-C. FIG. 4 is an illustrative cutaway view A-A of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, continuous void 400 is defined by outer sleeve 402 and facing chambers 404A and 404 B. In some embodiments, the continuous void is empty. It may be appreciated that a “dead air” void may be useful to provide thermal insulating properties between facing chambers. That is, a warm fluid in one facing chamber may be insulated from a cold fluid in another facing chamber. In order to improve insulative properties, in some embodiments, the continuous void is under vacuum. Where vacuum is not practical, continuous void embodiments are filled with an insulating material such as foam material, batting material, or a natural fiber material without limitation. FIG. 5 is an illustrative cutaway view B-B of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, spout 500 is in fluid communication with sealable port 502 which may be actuated by fluid release latch 504 as contemplated by assembly 506. FIG. 6 is an illustrative cutaway view C-C of a dual chamber fluid container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, which illustrates locking relief 600 that mates with a locking tab to a secure hinged door with the collar. These illustrative representations are provided to more clearly describe embodiments contemplated herein.

FIG. 7 are illustrative representations of various configurations for dual chamber fluid containers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates a variety of cylinder shapes 700 which form straight cylinders 702 (side views) and tapered cylinders 704 (side views). As illustrated, cylinder shape embodiments include circular cylinder shape 710, ovate cylinder shape 720 and 730, semi-circular cylinder shape 740, and a rectangular cylinder shape 750. As may be appreciated, other shapes may be equally utilized without departing from embodiments contemplated herein.

The terms “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean one or more (but not all) embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual chamber fluid container comprising: a container assembly comprising: an outer sleeve having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end, the closed sleeve end forming a sleeve base; a pair of facing chambers encompassed by the outer sleeve, each facing chamber having an open chamber end and a closed chamber end, the closed chamber end forming a chamber base, wherein the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion; and a weld ring for positioning the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers along the open sleeve end and the open chamber end to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers; and a lid assembly comprising: a collar for removably coupling with the container assembly and shaped to conform with the weld ring; a handle coupled with the collar; and a pair of hinged doors hingedly coupled with the collar along a curved portion of the collar, the pair of hinged doors for closing the pair of facing chambers, wherein each hinged door comprises: a spout extending from the hinged door for delivering fluid from the facing chamber, a sealable port along an inside surface of the hinged door, the sealable port in fluidic communication with the spout, and a fluid release latch positioned proximately with the handle for actuating the sealable port.
 2. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein each hinged door further comprises: a locking tab for securing the hinged door with the collar, and a lock release coupled with the locking tab and located along a top surface of the hinged door; the lock release configured to disengage the locking tab.
 3. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein each of the volumetric portions are equal.
 4. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein each of the volumetric portions are not equal.
 5. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve has a cylinder shape selected from the group consisting of: a circular cylinder shape, a semi-circular cylinder shape, an ovate cylinder shape, and a rectangular cylinder shape.
 6. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 5, wherein the cylinder shape is straight cylinder or a tapered cylinder.
 7. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein the continuous void is empty.
 8. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein the continuous void is under vacuum.
 9. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein the continuous void is filled with an insulating material selected from the group consisting of: a foam material, a batting material, and a natural fiber material.
 10. The dual chamber fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid release latch is finger actuated.
 11. A container assembly for a dual chamber fluid container comprising: an outer sleeve having an open sleeve end and a closed sleeve end, the closed sleeve end forming a sleeve base; a pair of facing chambers encompassed by the outer sleeve, each facing chamber having an open chamber end and a closed chamber end, the closed chamber end forming a chamber base, wherein the pair of facing chambers each define a volumetric portion; and a weld ring for positioning the outer sleeve and the pair of facing chambers along the open sleeve end and the open chamber end to define a continuous void around the pair of facing chambers.
 12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the volumetric portions are equal.
 13. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the volumetric portions are not equal.
 14. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the outer sleeve has a cylinder shape selected from the group consisting of: a circular cylinder shape, a semi-circular cylinder shape, an ovate cylinder shape, and a rectangular cylinder shape.
 15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the cylinder shape is straight cylinder or a tapered cylinder.
 16. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the continuous void is empty.
 17. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the continuous void is under vacuum.
 18. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the continuous void is filled with an insulating material selected from the group consisting of: a foam material, a batting material, and a natural fiber material.
 19. A lid assembly for a dual chamber fluid container comprising: a collar for removably coupling with a container assembly; a handle coupled with the collar; and a pair of hinged doors hingedly coupled with the collar along a curved portion of the collar, wherein each hinged door comprises: a spout extending from the hinged door for delivering fluid, a sealable port along an inside surface of the hinged door, the sealable port in fluidic communication with the spout, and a fluid release latch positioned proximately with the handle for actuating the sealable port.
 20. The lid assembly of claim 19, wherein each hinged door further comprises: a locking tab for securing the hinged door with the collar, and a lock release coupled with the locking tab and located along a top surface of the hinged door; the lock release configured to disengage the locking tab. 